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Baptist Health International Center of Miami Supports Jamaican Communities With Multiple Donations

MIAMI – Baptist Health International Center of Miami and South Miami Hospital, both divisions of Baptist Health South Florida, continued their efforts to support communities throughout Jamaica last week by presenting major donations in Montego Bay and Kingston.

A team of Baptist Health representatives was on hand at SOS Children’s Village near Montego Bay July 20 to host the hospital’s annual Jamaica Children’s Fun Day Picnic and present children living at the home with much-needed personal supplies. Through South Miami Hospital’s Caribbean Charity for Children program, each of the 110 children at the home received a customized care package containing essential personal hygiene products, school supplies, shoes and clothing.

“We are pleased to do what we can to make a difference in the lives of these children,” said Carol Biggs, R.N., MBA-HA, DHSc, vice president of the South Miami Heart Center at South Miami Hospital. “It is truly inspiring that, even in these tough economic times, our team was able to step up and spearhead the efforts for this heartwarming cause.”

On July 21, Biggs, along with representatives from Baptist Health International Center, hosted a press conference in Kingston to officially present five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Medical Association of Jamaica, which has selected the National and Trelawny stadiums and medical teams for the Jamaica Defense Force, Ministry of Health and UWI Mona Campus as recipients of the life-saving equipment. Following the press conference, Biggs conducted a special training session for representatives from each team to ensure that they are certified in the proper administration and use of the AEDs.

“As a Jamaican, I am honored to be able to give back to my homeland, and I am deeply gratified that we have been able to assist communities throughout the island. Baptist Health has been steadfast in its efforts to support our neighboring Caribbean islands,” continued Biggs. “The donation of the AEDs is critically important because they will save the lives of citizens.”


Baptist Health International Center of Miami presented five automated external defibrillators to the Medical Association of Jamaica at an official donation ceremony held at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel on Wednesday, July 28. From left, Lawrence Cole, assistant vice president of Baptist Health International Center of Miami; Dr. Carol Biggs, vice president of South Miami Heart Center at South Miami Hospital; Dr. Marion DuCasse, chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health; Dr. John Dylewski, director of electrophysiology at South Miami Heart Center at South Miami Hospital; Dr. Winston De La Haye, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica; Dr. Gail Ranglin, captain, Jamaica Defense Force, and Lyttleton O. Shirley, JP, board chairman, South East Regional Health Authority.

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